Eco-friendly aromas abate airborne infection hazard

Fragrance compounds from cinnamon, cloves, coriander and other spices kill airborne bacteria, yeast and mold, according to a University of Vienna study. The researchers set out to investigate eco-friendly, unobjectionable substances with a potential for air disinfection. The study, published recently in Flavor and Fragrance Journal, involved the four aroma chemicals thymol, linalool, trans-cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. It’s the first study to look at antimicrobial properties of aroma chemicals and essential oils on airborne microbes. To read more about the study, see Flavor and Fragrance Journal